A whole host of top directors have been sought for Star Wars Episode 7, but it has apparently gone to Star Trek director JJ Abrams.

Abrams - who also created hit TV show LOST, has reportedly signed up to take on the sought-after role, despite initially ruling it out.

An insider said: "It's a done deal with JJ."

The decision is a surprise because he previously stated: "There were the very early conversations and I quickly said that because of my loyalty to Star Trek, and also just being a fan, I wouldn't even want to be involved in the next version of those things.

"I declined any involvement very early on.

"I'd rather be in the audience not knowing what was coming, rather than being involved in the minutiae of making them."

His arm has clearly been twisted.

Other directors who were asked or considered for the role included Ben Affleck, Steven Spielberg and Avengers director Joss Whedon.

The new film will mark the start of a new trilogy and is thought to be set after the events of the original films.